Leach Botanical Garden
Conveniently located on the fringes of Southeast Portland’s Lents neighborhood, Leach Botanical Gardens is a sixteen-acre urban oasis – a verdant sanctuary where tranquillity abounds and the city’s hustle melts away.
Established by botanist Lilla Leach and her husband John in 1931, the gardens have long been a jewel in Portland’s crown – proudly showcasing 2,000 species of plants to the public for over four decades. With stunning indoor and outdoor event spaces nestled in the grounds, Leach Botanical Gardens is an idyllic location for weddings of up to 80.
Indeed, the Manor House – a white stone cottage which seems to have fallen from a fairytale – is just as enchanting as the surrounding gardens. Inside, you’ll find charming old-world decor: think grandfather clocks and stone open fireplaces; warm wooden panelling and high vaulted ceilings.
The Fireplace Room features polished hardwood floors and can host a ceremony for up to 45; French doors open out onto the outdoor East Terrace, where couples can tie the knot in the clutches of nature. Framed with tall trees and centred around an altar-style trellis, it is a verdant space which enchants as it soothes.
That said, Leach Botanical Gardens provides couples with so many options. Some prefer to wed under the Covered Arbor – which benefits from a woodland feel and a stunning sense of solitude. There’s also a Dining Room in the Manor House, a Butler’s Pantry and kitchen for the wedding-banquet prep – and once the park closes to the public (at 4-5 pm, depending on the day), you’ll have its sixteen acres all to yourself. You can check out the magical stone cabin, walk through bamboo groves or head down to the creek – just remember, there’s no swimming!
Why not check out Leach Botanical Gardens’ website for yourself?
Getting ready rooms:
There is one dressing room with restrooms available for the wedding party, but many couples prefer to get ready off-site – using the dressing room for make-up touch-ups, hiding the bride and signing the marriage license.
Nearby attractions:
Hosting your wedding at Leach Botanical Gardens gives your guests a chance to check out Portland.
They may well want to start with the wedding venue itself: with incredible flora and enchanting woodland trails, it is a nature lover’s utopia, well worth exploring before the ceremony.
Division Street, a ten-minute drive from the gardens, is packed full of the city’s favourite restaurants: we especially love Bollywood Theater and Nuestra Cocina, but why not take a wander and make your own mind up?
If you’re feeling thirsty, it’s hard to beat Cascade Brewing Barrel House, a sour-beer pioneer with 28 taps, tasty food pairings and great outdoor space. And don’t miss Coava Coffee, serving joe so tasty you’ll no doubt want to take some home.
Parking:
The creekside parking lot, which has 32 spaces and is accessible at all hours, is included in the venue rental fee. There is also a 40-space main parking lot, accessible during opening hours
Venue Perks:
- Curated professional catering options
- Curated professional bar-service options
- Indoor & Outdoor Event Space
- Fully ADA-accessible
Lodging:
Although Leach Botanical Gardens does not have rooms attached, its proximity to downtown Portland (15 minutes by car) means your guess will have plenty of options when it comes to bedding down.
Jupiter NEXT (rooms from $230) wows guests with city vistas and chic modern styling; Kimpton RiverPlace (from $185) feels like a home away from home, while ever-popular The Hoxton (from $130) continues to impress.
Price Range:
Photo Opportunites:
Given its verdant surrounds, Leach Botanical Gardens presents couples with a host of stunning options for outdoor portraits – whether it’s on the quaint wooden bridge running over the creek, in front of the stone cabin, or on one of the gardens’ many trails, surrounded by brilliant blooming flowers.
Seasonal Availability:
Leach Botanical Gardens does include indoor event space – and so technically is available for year-round weddings. That said, the venue comes into its own in the warmer months – when you and your guests can celebrate in nature’s stunning surrounds. Rain Plans are recommended for parties over 40; tents can be rented from The Party Place.
Other Outstanding Features:
Few venues can match the natural majesty on offer at Leach Botanical Gardens; having the whole park to yourself after hours is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Venue Contact info:
971-832-9081
or via Inquiry Form
